Objections mount to street light switch off

Students at the UEA are objecting to plans to switch off street lights in the area through the night.

The controversial plans stirred up a political storm last year, when they were first put forward.

Around 100 letters have been sent to the county council by UEA students, concerned about their safety if the proposed switch off of street lights between midnight and 5am goes ahead.

Tom Dolton, Union spokesperson said: “The Union hopes that the student voice is considered during the proposals and want to ensure that the switch off won’t put students’ wellbeing or safety in jeopardy.”

Street lights have already been switched off during part of the night in some areas, such as Cringleford. Letters to residents affected by the part-night lighting plans will be sent out in early Spring in the rest of south Norwich, and in the summer to streets near the UEA. Maps and lists which detail which streets in Norwich are impacted by the proposals will be made available online to coincide with the area consultations.

Susie Lockwood, a spokesperson for the county council said: “Everyone is welcome to have their say about these plans. All the comments that are received as part of the consultations for each area are reviewed and considered against the exemption criteria and help us determine whether any further streets should be exempted.”

Some roads are exempt, such as those with speed bumps or CCTV cameras. Busier streets will remain lit throughout the night.

The County Council estimate the move will save £160,000 a year. The scheme is due to roll out across Norfolk over the next 3 years, and will affect mainly residential street with low crime rates.

Comment